The South Russian Sheepdog is a robust, lean dog with massive bone structure and strongly developed musculature. It is a large, muscular, powerful dog. It is assertive, strong-willed, and courageous.

It’s a fearless dog with the ability to protect the family. Originally the South Russian Sheepdog was used for both herding and protection against predators, highly praised for its abilities. This is not a breed for the timid owner; it needs firm obedience training.

Charakter

The South Russian Sheepdog is a very brave, alert, strong and hardy dog breed. This dog has a highly nervous activity it is strong, balanced and lively. It is fierce and distrustful of strangers, not very demanding and adepts easily to diverse climatic conditions and temperatures. This breed needs an experienced owner who knows how to display strong leadership. Early socialization is a must. Unless properly socialized and trained, the South Russian Sheepdog exhibits ferocious and unmanageable tendencies.

It has a dominating personality and can enforce its will upon other dogs with ease. Well evident according to sex. Males are courageous, stronger and more massive than the females. It has a dominant reaction: active way of defense. As a guardian it extends itself to include its family, its home and as much land as it can scent fully calls its own. The possessive nature of this breed requires extensive property, a sizable family, and preferably other animals that it can protect.

Colors

Usually white but also white and yellow, straw color, grayish (ashen gray) and other shades of gray; white lightly marked with gray, gray speckled.

Coat

Long 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), coarse, thick, and dense of equal length on head, chest, legs and tail, with a well-developed undercoat.

Gesundheitsprobleme

Generally a very healthy breed. Some are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. To help prevent the chance of hip or elbow dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints.

Lebensumfeld

The South Russian Sheepdog are more comfortable outdoors although they can adapt to indoor living. A small apartment is not recommended given their temperament and size. If there is a large yard that is fenced, that means more work for them with regard to guarding.